La Tomatina Accommodation Tips

It’s easier said than done – finding accommodation for La Tomatina or “the world’s biggest food fight”. The annual tomato festival (that involves hurling aforesaid fruit massive street party style) is held in the small town of Bunol, some 40 km north of the more substantial and well-known city of Valencia in Spain.

Now, considering that Bunol is a teeny tiny town that ramps ups solely for the festival (and at any other time of the year you can hear the crickets chirping and tumbleweeds pass by) finding accommodation in the actual town and nearby the venue is near impossible. In fact, you won’t find a hotel AT ALL. About the only thing that you will find is locals renting out their own rooms at inflated prices.

So, what then may one come by in terms of accommodation during La Tomatina? Well, your best bet is to look for it in Valencia itself. You can chose from either luxury hotel or backpacker style hostel accommodation. While in Valencia you can visit the beaches and the many sights and attractions including the aquarium, museums and art and science centers.

Valencia actually provides great value for money in terms of the quality of hotels for the price relative to what you would acquire in other European cities. The almost palatial (and certainly very stunning) “Hotel Las Areas Balneario Resort” (4.5 star) located in central Valencia will cost you under 1300 Euros for 6 nights over the week of La Tomatina. You can enjoy the lap of luxury – 2 pools and a spa and stylish, luxe furnishings.

If you are in the market for something a lot more budget friendly (but still really quite nice) Valencia has a lot of accommodation options to suit your needs. The “Casual Hostal Valencia” (4.3 stars) will cost just under 262 Euros for 6 nights over the week La Tomatina is held. It’s a luxurious hotel (a shared bathroom is a part of the deal) located near the central market in Valencia.

If you’re looking to go cheaper even still, or if a package deal is more your style there are a number of tours that operate. They often include your ticket to La Tomatina and extras such as days at the beach and parties. It’s a good point to remember that if you are sourcing your accommodation directly that you DO purchase your ticket well before you depart. Also, it is wise to book sooner rather than later – La Tomatina has attracted up to 60,000 people – you need to get in FAST!

The craziest (yet, by all means cheapest) idea is to sleep on the trains and buses that operate to Bunol. It seems quite a dodgy option – but it has been suggested! It COULD be done if you were just stopping for the morning of La Tomatina itself – note the emphasis here is on “could” and not necessarily “should”. There is also the option to camp on one of Spain’s many beaches (check laws and prohibitions with the area’s local council first) or to find accommodation in the towns that are located en route to Bunol.

To find out more about Spain’s transport timetables visit:

http://gospain.about.com/od/tomatinatomatofight/qt/buses_trains.htm

To find accommodation in Valencia you can visit:

http://au.hotels.com

Plan well ahead and you’ll ensure smooth travels. You can chose to directly book and plan your holiday yourself. Alternatively, the party plans and tours are a good option for those who don’t like to leave things to chance. The main point is whatever option you chose, La Tomatina is an event not to be missed. It’s a food fight EXTRAVAGANZA that’s not for the faint hearted and the opportunities to celebrate and enjoy the authentic festival flavour on offer are endless.

Whatever your style or budget, start your planning now and you’ll soon see yourself squishing Tomatoes in the Spanish sunshine!

La Tomatina Tours

Join us in battle

It doesn't get much better than the La Tomatina festival held in Buñol every August, and for the ultimate La Tomatina packages and tours, Thirsty Swagman have got you covered. You can either join us in Valencia & Buñol for a great festival experience or if you're up for a bit more adventure then come party with us on our flagship Spanish Bar-Mada tour.

About Thirsty Swagman

The World's Coolest Festival & Party Tours!

From round-the-world pub trips, to incredible festival tours through Europe, Australia and Asia, and the Beer in Space tour, Thirsty Swagman takes you to the coolest and most outrageous party and festival destinations on the planet.

At Thirsty Swagman we believe that relaxing with a drink is one of the great pleasures of life and is the best way to make new friends and meet the locals.